BECOMING A RESPONSIBLE STEWARD

REFLECTION FOR 25TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, C

THEME: BECOMING A RESPONSIBLE STEWARD

R1: Amos 8:4-7

R2: 1 Timothy 2:1-8

Gospel: Luke 16:-13

The gospel reading today is the story of the rich man and his dishonest steward. The master having been told of his steward’s notorious act of embezzling his property sent for him and had him fired. Sensing the dangers that lie ahead of him, the fired steward would not want to go begging or hungry, he then thought of a very clever way of manipulating his master’s debtors and cutting down their debts so that when relieved of his work, he would at least made friends who would welcome him into their homes. 

It is surprising to read that Jesus praised the cleverness of this dishonest steward. One may be moved to ask if Jesus is encouraging us to be crafty as this dishonest steward? What does this gospel imply?

The title of this parable is “The Dishonest Steward.” As a steward it means he had a master. That means the steward was only placed in charge of what is not his. He is only a servant, entrusted with another’s possession. Hence he cannot claim ownership of what is placed under his charge. 

Jesus, in this parable is trying to point out something about our relationship with God. As human beings, we are only God’s stewards. God has entrusted the world he created to us as faithful stewards. However, like this unfaithful steward, we have many times been unfaithful to God through the way we use the things of the world He entrusted to our care. We embezzle God’s gifts for our selfish aggrandisement when we refuse to help. We become dishonest to God and the use of His gifts when we refuse to consider others. We betray God when we become too selfish, we sin against charity. Just like the master of the dishonest steward, we may be summoned at any time to give an account of our stewardship. Our infidelity to God and his gifts can make Him sack us from His presence and kingdom. The only thing that can save us from His wrath using His wealth to help people, especially the needy, the poor, the suffering, the hungry, the sorrowful, the abused, the rejected or despised; these are debtors of the gospel who cannot fend for themselves. 

Therefore, Jesus, in this parable is encouraging all his followers to be very claver in the use of the world’s resources, possession, position and power; these should be used for service and charity and not for any selfish gain. This is clear explanation of the verse, “Charity wipes away multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8) as seen also in Matthew 25:40, “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brethren, that you do unto me.” As the master praised the actions of the dishonest steward even though he was not faithful to the charge entrusted to him, so too does charity and selfless service to others win us God’s approval and admiration.

Those who are so addicted to material possessions, the parable continues by saying, such cannot serve God properly for no one can serve two masters;  God and wealth at the same time. Addiction to material possessions is like a service to them, since where one’s treasure is there will the mind of the person be (Mt 6:21).

It is for this invitation to being clever and responsible stewards that the First Reading warns those who trample and suppress the needy. Without the disposition to help, one’s wealth becomes an abuse of God’s gift. 

Even though the readings encourage cleverness in the use of one’s material positions as a means of service to others, the Second Reading encourages the poor to pray for others; the rich, the poor. The implication is that there is no one who has nothing to give. Service is fundamental to our Christian call. Inasmuch as the rich should be clever in the use of their possessions and help the poor, the poor should be clever in the time of prayer; praying for the rich as well. Therefore, we all have a duty of service we owe one another. If we are able to perform this duty as it should, we shall not only change the world but we shall win God’s admiration and approval. May God grant us the grace to be good stewards, Amen. 

*Rev Fr. Chukwuemeka VINCENT Livinus, SMMM.*